Having been proclaimed a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in October 2020, Gishwati-Mukura National Park (page 222-3 of Bradt 7th edition), has formally opened to tourism as of 1 December 2020.
Tourist amenities include the Forest of Hope Guest House and Campsite, which stands in the park’s Gishwati sector. The guesthouse comprises two simple en-suite double rooms, catering to a maximum of four guests, and offering three meals daily as well as non-alcoholic beverages. The unserviced campsite can take a maximum of eight self-sufficient campers. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for the 1km feeder road to the guesthouse and campsite.
Guided nature walks are available and offer the possibility (but no guarantee) of seeing chimpanzees, golden monkeys, l’Hoest’s monkey, and some of the 230-plus recorded bird species, a list that includes 16 Albertine Rift endemics. Other amenities and activities include a stunning waterfall hike, an indigenous nursery where you can learn about the medicinal and cultural uses of local trees and other plants in the area, and community visits to meet local weavers, potters, sculptors and other craftspeople.
Special opening price until 31 May 2021 is as follows:
| Accommodation | Per person per night sharing (USD) | Single supplement (USD) | Gishwati Forest permit per person (includes daily access to the forest) | Total (per person per night sharing) |
| Guest House per person per night sharing | $ 100 | $ 50 (i.e. $ 150) | $ 50 Foreigners rwf 20.000 Foreign residents rwf 10.000 Rwandan residents | $ 100 + $ 50 $ 100 + rwf 20.000 $ 100 + rwf 10.000 |
| Camp Site per person per night | $ 20 (1 person, 1 tent) $ 30 (2 persons, 1 tent) | 0 | $ 50 Foreigners rwf 20.000 Foreign residents rwf 10.000 Rwandan residents | $ 20 + $ 50 $ 20 + rwf 20.000 $ 20 + rwf 10.000 |
No walk-in guests can be accommodated at the guesthouse. All bookings are to be made in advance by email to fharwandNa2012@gmail.com.
To visit Gishwati Forest at the time if writing, proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of the visit is required.
Location and Route Description – Forest of Hope Guest House and Camp Site
Rutsiro District, Western Province,Rwanda. GPS co-ordinates -1.83221, 29.35438
From Kigali or Rubavu on the NR4 take the turn at Pfunda Tea Estate on to the NR11. Follow the NR11 for roughly 25 km. You will pass first the Gishwati Forest sign, and after passing the Kinihira village sign turn left at the signpost for Forest of Hope Guest House and Camp Site. Continue for 1 km along this access road (4×4 is recommended). Keep left and follow the small signage until you reach the Forest of Hope Guest House and Camp Site.
For further details, email fharwanda2012@gmail.com, phone +250 783 491 512 or visit www.fharwanda.org
Bradt Rwanda Travel News 